There are few Milwaukee summertime activities that can beat spending a few hours paddling around the city’s rivers in a kayak. Trust us! If the experience that blends outdoor enjoyment, exercise, and seeing the city in an entirely new way is missing anything, though, it’s live music. But wait!
On Wednesdays from June 18 through September 3, MKE River Round-Up powered by Joy Engine will offer three hours of live music on the open water that launch from Twisted Fisherman. Each week, a different musical act will take to a pontoon boat known as “The Funktoon” to perform from 5-8 p.m., followed by an 8-10 p.m. after party. Instead of staying stationary and watching the show like landlubbers, people can rent a kayak from Milwaukee Kayak Company and paddle alongside the performers as The Funktoon navigates the river.
The just-announced 2025 lineup of River Round-Up outings (and affiliated after parties) includes performances by De La Buena, The MilBillies, Another One, Stephen Hull, The People Brothers Band, and more. Tickets for each show can be found HERE. Check out the full MKE River Round Up lineup (with after party acts in parenthesis) below.
June 18: The People Brothers Band (The Taxmen)
June 25: The Stephen Hull Experience (Evan Christian)
July 2: Midnight Hound (Johanna Rose)
July 9: The Hot And Dirty (Cream City Hotclub)
July 16: Sugo (Joe Wray)
July 23: Wonderfunk (Jesse V. and Ernie B.)
July 30: De La Buena (Los Mitoteros)
August 6: Ivy Ford (Honest Monday Trio)
August 13: Wire And Nail (Valley Fox)
August 20: Funkclub Wagon
August 27: The MilBillies (Bomber And Red)
September 3: Another One (The Garrett Waite Trio)